At least 23 terrorists were killed during an ongoing security operation after they launched an attack on Police Post Pumping Station No. 3 at Mangi Dam in Balochistan’s Ziarat district, according to security sources.
Officials said the police had deployed around 35 personnel, led by a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), at the pumping station on July 6 after intelligence agencies issued a threat alert. The post’s strength had recently been increased in view of the security warning.
At around 11am, personnel at the post reported intermittent gunfire from a distance. Despite the firing, the officer commanding assessed that the force was capable of defending the position while remaining in constant contact with Police Headquarters and the Frontier Corps (FC).
As a precaution, Police Headquarters dispatched a specialised reinforcement contingent of around 35 personnel. The FC also diverted an armed helicopter to provide aerial reconnaissance and support over the area.
According to officials, the attackers initially resorted to intermittent firing in an apparent attempt to force the police to expend their ammunition before launching a direct assault after sunset.
When reinforcements approached the area, they came under heavy fire and temporarily halted. FC personnel subsequently provided covering fire, including mortar support and aerial surveillance, enabling the reinforcement teams to advance.
During the ensuing clash, security personnel killed 15 terrorists. However, nine police officers and personnel were martyred, while three others sustained injuries and were evacuated after reinforcements reached the post.
Officials said the post eventually ran out of ammunition, prompting the remaining personnel, including the DSP and 28 policemen, to withdraw in two groups under the cover of darkness.
One group, led by the DSP, reached safety, while another group of 18 personnel reportedly encountered the attackers during the night and was taken hostage.
Security officials said the mountainous terrain, marked by steep ridges, deep ravines and numerous ambush points, made rescue and reinforcement operations particularly challenging.
A large-scale search and clearance operation, involving the FC and the Pakistan Army, is continuing across an area spanning more than 300 square kilometres. Officials said eight more terrorists had been killed during subsequent engagements, bringing the total number of militants killed to 23.
The operation remains underway, with security forces continuing efforts to eliminate the remaining attackers and secure the area.
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